Remember the old saying, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”? Well, I don’t know if that is an absolute truth, but the reverse certainly can make a huge difference in the happiness of your life and family. “When Mama is happy, it makes everyone a little happier.” As a Dad and a husband, we can play an important role in our wife’s happiness and in turn can bolster our relationship with our wife and children.

To Dads

Do you remember when you were your wife’s knight in shining armor? Remember how that felt? You can get that back. The list below can help you to firmly take your place on the pedestal of heroism in your wife’s heart and mind. Try just a few of the things on the list and watch how her face lights up and how she looks at you with a little more passion and joy.

To Moms

When was the last time your husband took your breath away? When did he last surprise you, in a good way? How would you like to look at your husband and the father of your children and wonder how you got so lucky? To all the Moms reading, this list may be something you may want to slip in your husband’s lunchbox or slide into the pages of his Popular Mechanics Magazine. You may even forget the subtle hints altogether and just tell him to read it and select a few items to practice this week. The point of the list is not to breed discontent, but rather to identify the wonderful things your husband does or to encourage him to do some of those things again.

Whether you are a Dad or Mom, Husband or Wife, making new, special efforts to improve as an individual, as a parent and as a couple will serve your family and your personal happiness well. These things will put a smile on any wife or mother’s face, and in turn will brighten the whole home!

23 Heroic acts for husbands and Fathers

1. Do something without her asking you to do it.

2. Get the babysitter for a date night and plan the activity.

3. Change a diaper, without her asking you to.

4. Turn off the TV and focus on the kids.

5. Turn off your phone and focus on your wife.

6. Do the dishes.

7. Let her bathe in peace.

8. Lead with spiritual things, especially prayer.

9. Offer a massage.

10. Play with your kids and make them laugh.

11. Be a first responder to your kids’ needs rather than thinking, “Mom will take care of it.”

12. Iron your own shirt.

13. Do a load of laundry.

14. Don’t be your wife’s “other kid” that she has to clean up after.

[Tweet “Don’t be your wife’s “other kid” that she has to clean up after.”]

15. Lead out in reading a new parenting or relationship book.

16. Listen to your wife. Yep, just listen.

17. Initiate hugs and kisses with both kids and your wife.

18. Be calm and gentle when the kids act up.

19. Give Mom a night off and make sure she comes home to a clean house.

20. Make bedtime sacred family time.

21. Read between the lines (Be observant and offer help when you perceive your wife needs help).

22. If you don’t know, ask what your wife needs.

23. Just be with your family when you’re with the family. (Be present when you are home).

A Challenge

Reading these things will not make the difference. Actually having the courage and resolve to put them into action is what will make you the hero and create a happier relationship and home. The challenge is to identify a few of the items from the list and do at least one of them each day this week. Then watch. Feel the change that occurs as you start to make these things into edifying habits that will grow with each passing day. If you already do these things, identify something else, some other way to go above and beyond. Go be the hero you would like your wife to see in you.

Question: Dads, which item on the list do you think your wife will find most heroic? Moms, which item do you wish that your husband would do the most?

Stop Yelling Course

Get Your Quick Calm Toolkit FREE!

Do You and Your Kids Love Movies? Try This!

Audible is a great way for busy parents to learn on the go!

Andy Smithson, LMSW

The TRU Parenting Manifesto

Testimonials

TRU Parenting

"Andy Smithson provided an hour long seminar to our employees titled” TRU Parenting.” What a great presentation. TRU Parenting not only applied to parents but to all of us and in all aspects of our lives. Wow, I have heard so many positive comments from our employees. We even had one of our linemen, who is a young father, stay after to continue writing down thoughts and ideas that he gained from the presentation."

Penny West: Wellness Coordinator at United Electric

TRU Parenting

"Andy Smithson provided an hour long seminar to our employees titled” TRU Parenting.” What a great presentation. TRU Parenting not only applied to parents but to all of us and in all aspects of our lives. Wow, I have heard so many positive comments from our employees. We even had one of our linemen, who is a young father, stay after to continue writing down thoughts and ideas that he gained from the presentation."

Penny West: Wellness Coordinator at United Electric

TRU Parenting

"As an instructor, Andy is on top of his game. He really connected with the class! The learning experience was always helpful and exciting!"

Gary C., TRU Parenting class

TRU Parenting

"This was one of the best classes I have every been to! I loved how we were able to be interactive in asking questions and actively participated in the learning process."

Cheryl C., TRU Parenting class member

TRU Parenting

"I really enjoyed the combined approach of the many topics that were covered. The class offered many techniques that could I could use right now. I feel like I am a better parent for having participated!"

Miriam, Head Start employee and TRU Parenting class member

TRU Parenting

"I had never really stopped and thought about some of the things I learned in TRU Parenting. It made me think. I have new expectations for my parenting. My eyes are wide open!"

Chris, TRU Parenting class member

TRU Parenting

"This class finally taught me to be more quiet with my children and gave me the power to not overreact."

Jessica, TRU Parenting class member

TRU Parenting

"I learned what to to do instead of what not to do. I feel empowered to continue building relationships with my children even when I have to discipline them."

Elizabeth R, TRU Parenting Class member

TRU Parenting

"I really appreciated the direct help Andy offered us. He really cared about what was happening in my family!"

Roxana D, TRU Parenting Class Member

TRU Parenting

"Since TRU Parenting, I have a stronger relationship with my children."

Aime C, TRU Parenting Class Member

TRU Parenting

"I feel like I can parent with love rather than anger. TRU Parenting gave me inspiration and tools to really parent out of love."

Cheryl, TRU Parenting client

TRU Parenting

"I'm learning how to not give up on bettering myself and building stronger relationships with my children!"

Jessica, TRU Parenting client

TRU Parenting

"I really enjoy the little moments now."

Miriam S, TRU Parenting client

TRU Parenting

"I look forward to learning a lot from you! Thank you for the wonderful resource you are providing families! Such life-changing information!"

Rachel Macy Stafford from www.handsfreemama.comWhat are people saying about our ebook?

"I look forward to learning a lot from you! Thank you for the wonderful resource you are providing families! Such life-changing information!" (Rachel Macy Stafford from www.handsfreemama.com)"I look forward to learning a lot from you! Thank you for the wonderful resource you are providing families! Such life-changing information!"